“We taught him well,” Mav calls out, Darcy on his lap. Cal is next to them, with an arm around Mav’s shoulders.
I dip my chin in thanks.
Watching everyone just being here, makes me see what I was missing from my life. When I was in Fort Lauderdale, I got a taste of what I could have, and now being back in Phoenix, with the club at my back settles something in me. I just wish Val was at my side.
Being a part of the club shows me that loyalty, brotherhood, and family are priority. They made me feel welcome and helped me when I needed them. It's more than just friendship—it's knowing you have people who will stand by you, no matter what comes your way.
They will be there when I make my move to help get Valarie from the drug gang, who are keeping her to pay back the debt that Vinnie left her with. I just hope that no one gets hurt when we take the bastards down.
A loud whistle penetrates the air, making me wince and the dogs bark.
Magnum stands, a beer in hand. My stomach tightens seeing a slightly sullen look on his face.
“Okay fuckers, and ladies, and kids. Today marks a big moment for the Rugged Skulls MC family, because that is what you really are. Blood or not. When my father and his friends started this club, it was about fitting back into society, without conforming to the reality of the real world. War is hard, but coming home can be harder for some. We joined the club for each other but also for ourselves. We all come from different walks of life, but being here in this club, you become one of us. Over time, we built a name for the club, and we are still going. The name carries a lot of weight with other clubs around the US and in the UK. I know that the future will carry on the strong name of the Rugged Skulls through the next generation and the next and the next. Not only blood can carry on, as once you are in, you are in.”
He nods to some of the men of the club who are not Rugged Skulls by blood, but by honor. He looks to me and I give him a tight-lipped smile.
Risky goes to his side, as do the men who gave me a chance. Their Ol’ Ladies reach their men, and the mood turns somber, as if we know what is coming. Hell, I think we all do.
“I am stepping down as President of the club.” He looks down at his woman, kissing her lips. “I am fucking old, still hot, but old.” People laugh.
“Hell, we are all getting old, brother,” Rookie calls out, with one of his grandkids sitting on his knee.
Magnum dips his beer in acknowledgment.
“Fuck yeah, brother. When we started the Lauderdale chapter, it was all about riding, making money, fucking, and becoming a brotherhood. Over the years it’s turned into one bigass family. Each of us having kids of our own, who we are all fucking proud of.”
Cheers go up, mixed with clapping and whistles.
“It was one of the best moments of my life when my woman told me she was pregnant, and then to top it off with twin boys, best day ever, but as usual my woman likes to makes things better but giving me a beautiful baby girl. Royal, Jack, Perri— you three completed us. You made me a better man. Perri, you are strong, beautiful and we know that you will do big, huge things that will have men on their knees for you, baby. Now it is your time to shine within the club. Come up here, boys.”
Both Royal and Jack kiss their women, before walking toward their parents. Lilith fidgets next to me, so I tap her knee, offering her a smile when she looks at me with tears in her eyes.
Opal and the rest of the men get to their feet, walking to their Pres, he may be handing the gavel over but Magnum will always be the Pres to us.
“The title of President comes with a lot of weight and responsibility, but you boys have been trained for this day since the day you were born. Royal, with your brother at your side, you will make a fine president to this club. Jack, you have always been the cool one between you, and I know that like Opal did with me, you will help guide Royal when it comes to big decisions of the club.”
“All of you boys are ready to take on what comes next. Like the daughters of the club, you will all stand strong and do right by the club,” Opal adds.
“You know we will do you all proud. Family and club first, we know that; it was ingrained in us from birth and the one thing we have all stuck by. Having Jack as my VP, I know we will carry on the legacy that you have all set for us.”
“Here, baby.” Risky hands Magnum two clean patches.
The love and adoration radiate off her as she cups each of her boys’ cheeks.
“We love you, and know that you will do right by the club and the family.” She sniffs.
Royal and Jack kiss her cheeks, then stand tall, looking proud as fuck. As they should, they have both brought a lot to the club as have the rest of the next generation of men.
Both men are hugged by each of the original brothers, and congratulated.
“Royal, you need to appoint the rest of the titles of the club.” Magnum slaps his hands on his son’s shoulders.
Royal looks to Jack, and I know that they already had this planned out. I mean, why shouldn’t they, they knew this was going to happen at some point.
“We did not have to think long and hard about this, as we know each and every one you of like we know each other. With my twin at my side as my VP, we want Finan to be our treasurer with that big, beautiful brain of his. Lennox with his big sparkling personality, will protect the club as our enforcer.” Royal laughs, and everyone joins in.
“As for Maverick, I think we already know what this fucker will do for the club; he has been doing it for years. Along with Astrid, he will be our tech guy, and along with his Ol’ Man, he will keep us safe in ways that none of us can comprehend,” Jack adds.